Children’s health · Medicare
What is the new Medicare Healthy Kids Check for three-year-olds?
By Patrick LeachPublisher: HerDoc
The new Medicare Healthy Kids Check is a once-only assessment of a three-year-old’s health and physical, social and emotional development, available to Medicare-eligible children from 1 November 2026. It gives families a chance to discuss concerns, get advice and plan any further assessment or support their child may need. Ask your child’s GP practice about availability and booking an in-person appointment.
The Medicare Healthy Kids Check factsheet sets out the new assessment.
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Who can have the check?
The check is for children aged three who have not previously received it. It is available through a GP or eligible prescribed medical practitioner, and cannot be claimed while a child is a hospital inpatient. The Medicare amendment establishes the start date and eligibility rules.
When contacting a practice, say that you are asking about the new Medicare Healthy Kids Check. Confirm your child’s age and Medicare details, whether the practice offers it, and how long to allow.
What will the doctor cover?
The assessment includes a physical examination covering hearing, eyes, oral health and growth. The doctor also takes relevant history, which may include sleep, food, toileting, medicines, immunisations, family circumstances and childcare.
Advice and referrals form part of the check where appropriate, and parents or carers should be offered a written report. These are elements of the assessment described in the MBS factsheet.
You can use the visit to talk about both what is going well and anything you find difficult to explain. You do not need to arrive with a suspected diagnosis.
A preparation checklist for parents and carers
Before the appointment:
- Write down your two or three main questions so you can raise them early.
- Bring your child’s health record and any existing reports you want the doctor to consider.
- Make a list of medicines and supplements, including how often your child takes them.
- Note examples from everyday life: what happened, when you noticed it and whether it happens in different settings.
- If childcare staff have raised something, ask for a brief description you can bring along.
- Tell the practice about communication, interpreter or other appointment needs when booking.
Before leaving, ask: “What happens next, who will organise it, and when should we follow up?” If a referral is suggested, ask what it is for and whether there may be separate costs.
Will it be free?
A Medicare benefit does not tell you what a particular practice will charge. Services Australia explains that out-of-pocket costs depend on the provider’s fees and Medicare arrangements. Ask about the fee, expected rebate and whether the check will be bulk billed before booking.
How does it fit with Thriving Kids?
The check sits alongside the broader Thriving Kids rollout. Supports are being introduced in stages from October 2026 to January 2028, with local arrangements varying. A check does not mean every support is already available nearby or that your child automatically qualifies.
If you are concerned now, do not wait for the new check. Speak with your GP or child and family health nurse, particularly if your child has lost skills. NSW Health’s guidance for families encourages seeking advice early.